1 John

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Chapter 1

The First Letter of John – Introduction
Introduction to the First Letter of John Authorship and Historical Context Although the letter begins without the author introducing himself, there is no doubt that…
Friedemann Werkshage April 8, 2026
That which was from the Beginning (1 John 1:1)
John begins his letter immediately, without introducing himself or greeting the recipients. He himself recedes into the background and speaks immediately of Christ. The letter…
Friedemann Werkshage April 11, 2026
The Eternal Life with the Father (1 John 1:2)
This verse is a parenthetical statement that explains in more detail what John has already written. He is still speaking about Christ, here described as “the…
Friedemann Werkshage April 13, 2026
Christian Fellowship (1 John 1:3)
The Testimony of the Apostles For the third time, John refers to what they had seen (vv. 1, 2, and 3) and what they had heard (vv. 1, 3,…
Friedemann Werkshage April 16, 2026
Living as Children of Light
In Ephesians 5, the apostle writes to believers about a great change that once took place in their lives. In the life of a believer,…
Friedemann Werkshage December 29, 2025
Joy to the Fullest (1 John 1:4)
Full Joy Through Fellowship One could say that the children of God—and such are addressed here—may already breathe something of the “air of heaven” while still on…
Friedemann Werkshage April 22, 2026
The Message (1 John 1:5)
The Nature of God as the Basis of Fellowship We have been brought into fellowship with divine persons. This is a wonderful privilege—but it also…
Friedemann Werkshage April 26, 2026
Walking in Darkness (1 John 1:6)
Claiming Fellowship with God The first statement concerns those who claim to have fellowship with God. This means they say they agree with God’s thoughts…
Friedemann Werkshage May 1, 2026
Walking in the Light (1 John 1:7)
John begins this verse with the words: “But if we…”. This points to a contrast with the previous verse. Now it is about God’s children.…
Friedemann Werkshage May 6, 2026
Contradiction: Does Everybody Sin?
In a passage in Romans, Paul states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). A few verses earlier,…
Arend Remmers, Stefan Drueke July 4, 2025
Self-Deception (1 John 1:8)
In verse 6, John had already spoken about someone saying that he has fellowship with God. Now John presents a second case. Second case: Someone…
Friedemann Werkshage May 11, 2026
If We Confess Our Sins (1 John 1:9)
In this verse we learn the wonderful truth. God forgives sins and is “faithful and righteous.” These are firm truths. Anyone may lean on them…
Friedemann Werkshage May 16, 2026
The Joy of Your Salvation
Christ’s work saves you, God’s Word assures you, and your joy is maintained by the Holy Spirit who indwells you. But every saved person still…
Tim Hadley Sr. October 21, 2025
Having not sinned? (1 John 1:10)
It is hardly imaginable, that someone who calls himself a Christian says such a thing. Yet it happens. It is striking that one does not…
Friedemann Werkshage May 21, 2026

Chapter 2

FAQ – The Lord Jesus (His Offices)
What does the Lord do as High Priest? The Lord Jesus is a High Priest and, as such, intercedes for us (Rom. 8:34 and Heb.…
Michael Hardt September 8, 2025
FAQ – The Lord Jesus (His Sufferings)
  Jesus died, so was He a martyr? Yes – but His death means much more than this. The word “martyr” means “witness” and is…
Michael Hardt September 3, 2025
FAQ – Assurance of Salvation
The Greek word for assurance in the New Testament is “plerophoria” – full assurance. It occurs four times: 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 6:11; Hebrews 10:22;…
Michael Hardt July 23, 2025
Dependence in the Life of Jesus (03)
Do we allow ourselves to be distracted, or do we buy time? “The world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does…
Jan Philip Svetlik December 30, 2025

Chapter 3

Contradiction: Does Everybody Sin?
In a passage in Romans, Paul states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). A few verses earlier,…
Arend Remmers, Stefan Drueke July 4, 2025
What Is Love?
There is probably no topic that has been dealt with as often in literature and films as love in relationships. Love stories are interwoven everywhere,…
Hartmut Mohncke March 4, 2025
The Christian and (His?) Money
Two sins in the Old Testament are particularly characteristic of the unbelief of the people of Israel: idolatry and fornication. Unfortunately, we, too, have to…
Manuel Seibel January 4, 2025

Chapter 4

What Is Love?
There is probably no topic that has been dealt with as often in literature and films as love in relationships. Love stories are interwoven everywhere,…
Hartmut Mohncke March 4, 2025
Atonement and a bloody Sacrifice
Question: Does the idea of atonement not lower God to the level of pagan deities? Such deities are thought to be appeased by bloody sacrifices.…
F.B. Hole June 24, 2026

Chapter 5

FAQ – Assurance of Salvation
The Greek word for assurance in the New Testament is “plerophoria” – full assurance. It occurs four times: 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 6:11; Hebrews 10:22;…
Michael Hardt July 23, 2025
Question: Suicide – A Way Out?
I was recently asked the question of whether someone who has committed suicide can be in heaven. In fact, suicide is a topic that people…
Manuel Seibel September 21, 2025
FAQ – The Lord Jesus (His Person)
Who is Christ? This is the question of questions (Mt. 16:15) – the most important one you will ever face. The Gospel of John was…
Michael Hardt August 27, 2025
Practical: Idolatry in the 21st Century
Some Christians may wonder what 1 John 5:21 still has to say to us today: “Keep yourselves from idols.” In the 21st century, we no…
Alex Schneider December 17, 2024